I’ve mentioned in previous posts, that my plan once my son graduates is to work from the road while I travel the country. Since it’ll be just me traveling, I just need a smaller camper to pull behind my car. I currently have a 2014 Kia Soul. So, weight limitation is a concern. Upon further research of the Soul’s towing capacity, even with the smaller travel campers, I am going to have to purchase a new SUV to pull my new home with. I will go into the reasoning why I am choosing to look into travel campers instead of an all in one RV in another post.
When selecting a camper, I do have some requirements and I don’t want to bend too much on them.
- Separate sleeping area
- Dinette area
- Seating area
- Full-size bathroom with a door.
So, I started my research. The information I’ve come across is quite promising! I’ve narrowed it down to three companies that I’ll be looking into further when the time has come.
Gulfstream –
Vintage Cruiser – “The Fun and Style of the 1950’s, with the Technology of the 21st Century”
Image courtesy of Gulfstream
I adore this little guy! The interior even matches the name. It’s got a beautiful vintage look inside and I FELL IN LOVE! I looked at model 17RWD. This one does not have a seating area, and the bedroom isn’t closed in, but, unlike some other brands, the bed is not right there as you walk into the camper, which I appreciate. I don’t think I’d mind having to sit on the bed if I were watching TV. The dinette area would serve two purposes of course. Eating and my workspace. This model is 20 feet long and 9’10” in height. Perfect for little ole me! And the awning is a nice addition to be able to sit under while it rains, or if you’re under trees with leaves falling. I like seeing the fall season, but, not falling on me!
Image courtesy of Gulfstream
This image has a seating area, but, that is in their larger model. But, I love the retro look!
Vista Cruiser – “Go Anywhere”
Image courtesy of Gulfstream
This one is a contender even though the bedroom and dining areas are one and the same. The reason for that is, it gives two other options that are needed. An outdoor kitchen and it has a little more storage with the additional wardrobe/pantry area and the three side overheads it offers. I like the outdoor kitchen option because it allows you to set this up as a site camper with a picnic area. You don’t feel limited to staying inside. This cruiser is also 20 feet in length and 9’10” in height. It’s more rustic inside which is ok. I like rustic, but, I also love character and color.
Image courtesy of Gulfstream
If I had to choose today, I would say my choice for Gulfstream would be the Vista Cruiser!
Winnebago –
Image courtesy of Winnebago
There are two models I like for Winnebago’s Micro Minnie. The 1706FB and the 1700BH.
The 1706FB because it is smaller. It has a separate bed from the dinette area and a full-size bathroom. I love the overhead storage as well as the wardrobe and pantry in such a small space. This model is 19’2″ long, but and 6’4″ high inside. The Gulfstream did not indicate interior or exterior dimensions, so, I suspect that the interior is around the six-foot range as well.
Image courtesy of Winnebago – Model 1706FB
Winnie Drop – According to Winnebago’s site, the Winnie Drop is the camper taking them back to their roots! And it starts at only $13,333.
Courtesy of Winnebago
There are four models for the Winnie Drop. Of them, my favorite is model WD170S. This is the only one that has a full bathroom and not a wet bath. It measures at 18’4″ long and interior height is 6’5″. Model WD1708 was a close second because of the wrap around dinette that could be turned into a bed. Bigger office space! I like the outdoor kitchen on Model WD170K though:). The exterior pass through is wonderful for storage!
Image courtesy of Winnebago
If I had to choose today, I would go with the Winnie Drop. This one was a close one. But, I like the exterior pass through, and it seems more defined in the separation of rooms. And let’s be honest. I love the bigger bathroom! LOL.
Jayco –
Image courtesy of Jayco
The Hummingbird is the one I would consider because it is perfect due to size limitations. My favorite Model is the 17RB. Why? You got it! The bathroom! But, not only that, the kitchen has great storage!
Image courtesy of Jayco
The floor plan of the Hummingbird, given its size, just looks more open to me for some reason. While I love the openness, I do not like the wood covering over the fridge. Some may like that design, but, unfortunately, I’m not one of them. I like to see some definition in a room.
The other Jayco one I was looking at was the Jay Feather. Of this design, the only model I would consider is 18RBM. It’s fully enclosed and the bed isn’t in a cloth walled room. I prefer my walls to be solid :).
Image courtesy of Jayco
This one is my absolute FAVORITE design. Why? BATHTUB! Who doesn’t like a good bubble bath? Travel campers don’t have a lot of room, but the Jay Feather has great storage. It doesn’t have my dinette though :(. Same thing here. One of the couches could be replaced with a dinette.
If you are looking to live the RV Camper lifestyle, you should make sure you know what you want. If you’re doing it full time? Don’t compromise on a lot. That’s going to be your home and you will need to be happy there. The only thing I know I will need to compromise on because of the size is the seating area. With that said, I have other options. There are many floor plans in the travel campers out there. The dinette area could be modified and used as a seating area. The bed makes a comfortable place to sit as well.
With all that said, if I chose to get a bigger car, I may be able to get a bigger camper, however, I still don’t know that I’d go too much bigger. Mainly because I’m so used to smaller cars, I’m not sure how I’d handle driving something up to thirty-five feet, including my car!
Do you live the RV lifestyle? What research did you do on travel campers? Are you a permanent one or a part-time one. What is your favorite thing about it and what do you not like about it?
Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post. I am sharing with you how I want to live and work, traveling the country and my research on travel campers.
Out of all the awesome travel campers (and they are all great options), I love the vintage one the best. It just speaks to me and that color scheme is so cool and retro.
Yes! It looks fun and I think I could handle working my freelance business from there!
I haven’t been camping in years, but these look like fabulous campers. I would love to take the family out on an adventure in any one of these campers.
I’ve always dreamed of owning my own camper. I love to travel and having one of these would be perfect for those long road trips to the country. I can’t believe how complete they are!
My husband keeps insisting we need to get a camper. I’m not so sure. My aunt ad uncle have a HUGE camper and love it and have been camping literally more than half their lives.
I’m looking into other ones as well. But these are definitely an option. Less time spent cleaning! LOL
That Vintage Cruiser is so adorable! i love the 50s/retro vibe! Going camping/on a long road trip in a camper has been on my bucket list since I was a kid!
You know I have never thought about shopping for a traveler camper, but I like the fact that various ones, so it gives you a few to choose.
I don’t think I can choose just one. I really want to own an RV by next Summer because I would love to do a road trip with the kids. We both work from home as adults so we can most certainly work from an RV on the road!
Love the comparison of these campers!! I would be clueless what I would want in a camper starting out, I had no idea there was so many options!
These are really neat. I really like the Vintage Cruiser and the Vista Cruiser. I’d be happy to travel in one!
Travel campers are so amazing these days! As a single mom I think it might be tough for me to hook up, but I would love to have one!
My brother in law said he’ll show me how to do that. I think he wants me to head out on the road. Can’t ask him to do anything else.. LOL!
We have a pop up camper. However, the RV stuff – only in my dreams. That is pretty sweet!
These are fab campers. It would be great to think to work from there 🙂
This is pretty awesome. I can’t remember the last time I’ve traveled with a camper in a long time. It would be nice to have one of these the next time I travel with the kids. I’m sure it’s going to be quite an experience!
These are so cool! I always wanted to travel in a camper. Now, they are even nicer and I would love one of these.
I can’t even remember the last time I have been camping. With Fall coming, it really makes me want to pack up and head out. And don’t forget the s’mores fixings.
I honestly like them all, I want to do a week long trip in a camper. Summer time is probably best, but I’ve only had one camping experience. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t the best.
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This is real cool. I’ve always wanted to try traveling in one of these!
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I’ve never try traveling with camper but they look really stylish:D and inside? oh wow some of them better than houses
I would LOVE any one of these. They look so glamorous for a camper!
Wow, these pictures are a lot more spacious than I would have imagined. I don’t know if I’m 100% sold on a camper over an RV, but this a definitely an eye-opening post.
Nice to get a peek at the inside because when / if am on the road, I want something holiday -like, yet functional. Vintage is my choice! Love the colors and light feel. Winnie Bag reminds me too much of “home” 🙂 Have fun when you venture out and share your choice.
I’d love to have a camper. I love the colors of the second one!